Knowing God Through Jesus

John 14:1-14
Related Sunday School Lesson, Family Bible Series, September 19

In our passage for today, we are confronted with a couple of things. The first thing is that the Lord Jesus tells us that the only way for a human being to go to heaven is through Him. The second thing which confronts us is the fact that those who do not come to God through Jesus have no way of getting there.

In the postmodern, relativistic world a sincere opinion by anyone on just about any subject is just as valid as truth. A number of years ago I said that in the coming years Christianity was going to be violently attacked. I also said that the coming attack was going to be centered around the fact that we hold to the exclusivity of Jesus Christ for salvation. The world thinks this: "If a person is serious in what they believe and if they are faithful to the teachings of their particular way, then God will accept them."

Nothing could be further from the truth. In verse 6 of our text, Jesus said: "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man cometh to the father but by me." That statement alone settles the issue. The truth is that God has designed a way for us to come to Him. His non-negotiable requirement is that we come to Him by faith in Jesus Christ.

There is A Place Prepared
v. 1-4

Christians have the wonderful gift of knowing that they are saved and secured. Other religions of the world which are based on human efforts at redemption do not have this assurance. This assurance will take a person through the tough trials of life. It will give them the inward joy which surpasses the outward happiness that the world offers.

One can have joy in the midst of trials when no happiness can be found. Additionally, Satan cannot take away our joy but he can touch the outward things of our lives and cause us to experience unhappiness at any time.

The place that has been prepared for us is described as a mansion. The Apostle Paul said that it was illegal to even speak of those things that are in heaven because they are so holy. I think it is important for us to notice the way Jesus phrases a statement He makes in v. 2. Jesus said: "In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you."

In other words he was saying," ... you can trust me to tell you the truth. If the mansions were not there, I would not have told you that they are" (Harrell paraphrase).

There is A Path Prepared
v. 5-7

We have already examined the fact that in our politically correct world we can tell no one they are wrong about anything and hurt their feelings. Hurt feelings are not the issue. Getting to heaven is the issue and people must know the truth about how to get there.

Jesus himself says that He is the only way. Our job is to tell the world about Him who is the only way. But the world will say: "You Christians are too harsh. You are too exclusive. Everyone else makes room for you and you should make room for them."

What is stated in the Bible about Jesus and salvation comes straight from God. All the other religions of the world are designing their own "path." Jesus Christ is "The Way, The Truth and The Life." And, "No man comes to the Father but by Him." That is our only path.

There is a Prepared Power
v. 8-12

The resources of heaven belong to the Christian. We have no reason to be weak-kneed and apologetic about who we are or our calling. Jesus says in verse 12 that we shall do even greater works than He revealed to us if we believe on Him.

A pertinent question is this: "Why do Christians feel that they must live apologetically in this world while others can cite with impunity any belief system they desire?" This writer thinks it is high time for Christians to stand up on their two feet and proclaim who we are and what we stand for. We need to do this without apology and without reservation.

This world system has been very successful in cowering Christians down. We must be faithful to carry the word into any environment and witness about the changing power of a personal relationship with Christ. In verse 12, Jesus is telling us that God always equips us for this task.

There is a Promise of Prayer Answered
v. 13-14

The real purpose of answered prayer is to glorify God. When we learn to pray in such a way that, in answering the prayer, God will be able to bring glory to Himself, then we just might see more answers to prayer.

Praying properly involves several things. First, we must be praying within God's will. Second, we must not be praying for something to consume upon our own lusts. Third, we must be praying within the bounds of God's revealed word, and fourthly, we must ask it in Jesus' name. His name speaks of His character, and we must make sure that any prayer we pray will be prayed in the character of Jesus.

I describe prayer this way: Prayer is a spiritually-guided missile which can be launched from anywhere in the universe, to anyplace in the universe. It travels at the speed of thought, never misses its mark and always accomplishes God's purpose. Now, Christian brothers and sisters, that is a powerful weapon and tool to be used in the cosmic battle for the souls of people.